Nautilus International, the trade union representing maritime professionals, has announced an additional three days of strike action by its members at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). The planned strike will occur from September 20 to 22, with the final day coinciding with the start of the Labour Party conference.

This latest announcement follows the first-ever series of strikes by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary workers, which began on June 1, 2024. The ongoing dispute centers around a significant pay disparity, with Nautilus International highlighting that RFA employees have faced a real-terms pay cut of over 30% since 2010. The union has criticized the 4.5% pay increase for the 2022/23 period, which was implemented in November 2023, as being well below the rate of inflation. This offer was overwhelmingly rejected by union members.

Martyn Gray, Nautilus International's Director of Organizing, voiced frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations with the Ministry of Defence. “Since Labour came to power, they have resolved several ongoing public sector disputes, except for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary,” Gray stated. He added, “Despite discussions with the Ministry of Defence, frustratingly, we have not received a new and improved pay offer. If the government is not willing to listen to the gravely felt frustration and anger of RFA employees, we are left with no other option but to escalate our action.”

The union's decision to extend the strike action is expected to cause significant disruption to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's operations and the Royal Navy, which heavily relies on RFA support. As tensions rise, all eyes are on the Ministry of Defence to see if a new resolution will be reached in the days leading up to the Labour Party conference.